Iraqi delegation in Erbil to 'turn new page' with Kurdistan Region

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – A high-level delegation composed of some major Sunni and Shia factions visited Erbil to discuss the political situation in Iraq and formation of the new government with the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP).

The senior delegation representing Iraq’s Alliance of Reform and Reconstruction arrived in the Kurdistan Region capital on Sunday to meet with KDP president Masoud Barzani and other senior KDP officials.

The alliance included members of top Iraqi parties such as cleric Muqtada al-Sadr’s Sairoon Coalition, former prime minister Haider al-Abadi’s Nasr (Victory) Alliance, former prime minister Ayad Allawi’s al-Wataniya, and cleric Ammar al-Hakim’s al-Hikma (Wisdom) Movement.

In the meeting with Barzani, the delegation stressed that Iraq needs to open a new page regarding relations between the Kurdistan Region, noting that the tensions between Erbil and Baghdad have to be resolved, a statement from Barzani’s office read.

The delegation emphasized the principles of consensus, true partnership, and balance which Barzani had said were necessary for the basis of Erbil-Baghdad relations, the statement added.

Barzani, meanwhile, highlighted the ties between the Kurdistan Region and the Federal Government of Iraq, underlining that the injustices committed against the legitimate rights of the people of Kurdistan must be resolved.

The KDP President reiterated the need for the Iraqi government to implement the principles of consensus, partnership, and balance, the statement said.

Salih Mutlaq, a Sunni politician within the delegation, told reporters following the meeting with the KDP Leadership Council that they held a successful discussion with a good understanding between the sides.

According to Mutlaq, they want to keep strong relations with the Kurds and, particularly, with the KDP. He said the delegation strongly encouraged the KDP to participate in the new Iraqi government to normalize relations between Erbil and Baghdad and resolve issues between them.

Fazil Mirani, the KDP’s Political Bureau Secretary, told reporters both sides identified the mechanisms for partnership between Erbil and Baghdad. He also said the KDP shared its program for the new Iraqi government with the delegation.

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany